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Breaking Down Barriers: How a BSHAA Event Helped Me Change a Client's Life

Attending BSHAA events has always been a valuable way for me to stay current with the latest developments in audiology, but last year’s Manchester Roadshow proved particularly impactful.

It was there that I met members of the British Cochlear Implant Group (BCIG), who shared a straightforward and informative document outlining the criteria for cochlear implant referrals. As a private hearing aid audiologist, I had always assumed these referrals needed to go through a patient’s GP. Discovering that I could refer directly to the BCIG was eye-opening—and I decided to act on it.

The referral process turned out to be simple and efficient. The team at Scotland’s CI Unit in Kilmarnock were clear and communicative at every stage, and I was kept fully informed throughout. One of my clients, David Tulip, kindly agreed to share his journey in his own words:

“I had worn hearing aids for many years after a failed surgical procedure left me totally deaf in one ear, with hearing in the other ear gradually deteriorating. The aids were remarkably reliable and, as technology improved, they saw me through my working life. However, in my late 60s I began to notice a sharp drop in speech clarity and it became obvious that even the most powerful aids were reaching their limits for me.”

“Cochlear Implant technology was something I was aware of without ever thinking it would be a good fit for me, but Jayne Bryce suggested that she could refer me for assessment at Scotland’s CI Unit in Kilmarnock. So, in September 2024, I attended an appointment, with some reticence—but I needn’t have worried. The process was very reassuring and the staff extremely helpful and professional.”

“I underwent a further technical assessment later in the year, met with the surgeon, and had the operation in February 2025. Although I lost my residual hearing—something that was challenging—the activation four weeks later was remarkable. I could hear most sounds immediately, and voice clarity, though not perfect, was quite good and continues to improve as my brain adjusts.”

“The backup from Kilmarnock is excellent, and after a few more visits for tuning in the first year, I’ll move to annual checks. Everyone must make their own decision with support from the CI team, but for me it’s been very positive. The deterioration I was experiencing has been stabilised, and I now have a much more reliable level of hearing.”

David’s experience highlights not just the medical process, but the emotional and practical journey involved in transitioning from hearing aids to a cochlear implant.

Could a Cochlear Implant Be Right for You?

If you feel your hearing aids are no longer helping you to function – and you’ve been told that conventional hearing technology has done all it can – it might be time to explore whether a cochlear implant could be the next step.

We’re here to help. If you’d like to find out more or start the referral, please get in touch. You don’t need to go through your GP – we can guide you through the process.